Used in the synthesis of chiral compounds, particularly in pharmaceutical research where enantiomeric purity is crucial. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drugs targeting neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Its chiral nature makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, aiding in the development of optically active molecules. Additionally, it is employed in the study of enzyme mechanisms and receptor interactions due to its ability to mimic natural amino alcohols.